Speakers’ Corner gives you a preview of the voices you’ll hear at upcoming PI events, straight from the people shaping fashion and footwear.
In this edition, Ronald Dod, CEO of ReaLift, shares his perspective on reinventing footwear sizing; from how 3D scanning and manufacturing could eliminate traditional shoe sizes altogether, to why automation and data must ultimately serve consumer value rather than replace human judgement.
1) What excites you most about the intersection of craft and technology right now?
At ReaLift, we’re at the forefront of integrating technology into the footwear industry to deliver a better customer experience. I believe the most exciting intersection of technology and footwear is the ability to bring more value to consumers.
In the future, I see automation through robotics and software enabling pricing to remain relatively stable, while consumers gain superior product quality, customization, personalization, and overall value for their money.
I’m particularly interested in building 3D-printed lasts to create truly custom shoes.
2) What innovation do you think will define the next five years of footwear?
Sizing innovation. Giving consumers the power to “pick a last” based on traditional industry sizing will eventually feel outdated — like the Brannock device (no offense to the Brannock; I have two in my office).
I see 3D manufacturing and online scanning technology removing the friction point that affects 10–30% of online shoe orders and drives distrust in digital purchases.
3) If you could wave a magic wand and fix one industry bottleneck, what would it be?
Sizing.
We’re working to solve that with ReaLift (RealSize) and Walking On Air Shoes — by removing traditional shoe sizes altogether.
4) What does great collaboration between design, development, and
manufacturing look like to you?
A critical piece is regular on-site joint meetings (or at least virtual quarterly ones), where designers can better understand manufacturing capabilities, limitations, and challenges.
At the same time, manufacturing teams need to stay open-minded to new ideas from designers and be willing to experiment.
Siloed structures are bottlenecks to speed. Sampling and revision should be embedded in every organization’s DNA, alongside real-person fit testing.
5) What’s one lesson you wish you’d learned earlier in your career?
Speak less. Listen more.
6) Do you think AI will replace or empower footwear designers?
I can’t imagine replacement happening. We use AI tools heavily in our footwear business and continue to do so.
AI enables designers to build inspiration and increase output, which ultimately drives higher value creation for the industry.
7) Is the future of product creation more human-led or data-driven?
It’s a mix. Data is driven by human interaction.
If we develop a new last and 85% of consumers say it’s “too small” or “too narrow,” we’ll optimize based on that feedback. Context matters. A data-driven approach is critical, but strong intuition is equally important in leadership and product development.
Otherwise, we’d still be wearing Roman-style sandals. I don’t see AI recreating the human or creative side of product development.
8) What’s overhyped right now in the footwear innovation space?
AI — particularly expectations around its capabilities and future outlook.
And I say that as someone who uses LLMs almost every hour. AI is great for making the clay, but it still needs someone to mold it.
9) What’s the best example you’ve seen of digital tools actually improving creativity, not killing it?
Digital tools enable a higher output of sample designs and ideas. The idea that they kill creativity feels foreign to me.
10) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a brand trying to modernize its development pipeline?
“Fortune favors the bold.” — Virgil (a very long time ago).
11) Favourite shoe of all time - and why?
I’m from Florida, so I love my Rainbow sandals. I’ve had them for fifteen years, taken them on 100+ beach trips, and they still feel great.
12) Finish this sentence: In 2026, great footwear design will be...
...bold.
Ronald will be bringing his perspectives to the Tech Start-Up Stage at Stride USA 2026 (Portland, 9 & 10th March).
